1. Purpose and Objectives

This policy sets out the University’s commitment to welcoming staff who are new to UQ, and outlines the objectives of staff induction as well as the responsibilities of the parties involved in the induction process.

2. Definitions, Terms, Acronyms

Head – Head of organisational unit

3. Policy Scope/Coverage

This policy applies to all University staff.

4. Policy Statement

The University is committed to welcoming new staff and helping them to settle in as soon as possible to enable them to become fully productive and engaged with the University community.

Induction of staff at UQ is a transitional process to welcome new staff and form a solid foundation of support and involvement for all staff. It integrates the provision of information on major facets of the University and is intended to be of value to the individual and the institution.

The objectives of staff induction are to:

Provide relevant information, support and welcome to new staff to make them feel valued, confident and comfortable in their new environment and able to contribute fully as soon as possible;

Complete administrative procedures as soon and as smoothly as possible for new staff to start work and receive pay, as well as comply with relevant legislative requirements such as OH&S responsibilities;

Enable new staff to understand and achieve what is expected of them during their probationary period of employment;

5. Responsibilities for Staff Induction

Staff induction is a key factor in establishing good working relationships, setting clear work expectations and requires input from a range of staff.

5.1 Head

Heads of organisational units are responsible for ensuring that staff are properly inducted. If the Head is not the new staff member's immediate supervisor, then the Head must designate a supervisor.

5.2 Supervisor

The supervisor is responsible for briefing the staff member on work expectations, especially probation requirements, OH&S responsibilities, helping them settle into their new job and, in due course, completing their performance appraisal.

5.3 Induction officer

The Induction Officer, appointed by the Head, is responsible for ensuring that new staff complete all the administrative procedures relevant to their type of appointment as set out in the Induction Guidelines. This officer will work with each new staff member to complete an online Staff Induction checklist, and provide relevant local information (as prescribed on the Induction Summary checklist). The online Induction Checklist has links to Workplace Health and Safety Induction, a staff Equity and Diversity data collection checklist, and other key employment information.

This induction checklist is to be completed by the induction officer on the new starter’s first day. Please note that this is not a complete list of all induction processes but is intended to ensure that important components of induction have been covered on the first day.

This checklist is for Managers and Supervisors. It lists the required induction actions to be undertaken by Managers and Supervisors for new staff from pre-commencement through to six months after commencement.